# How We Test PC Cases

> PCMag explains their standardized method for testing PC cases' thermal and acoustic performance.
- Title: How We Test PC Cases · PCMAG | Shortify
- Summary: PCMag explains their standardized method for testing PC cases' thermal and acoustic performance. PCMag uses fixed hardware, thermal loads, and sound…
- Keywords: pcmag, pc case, thermal testing, acoustic testing, pc hardware, case review, cooling efficiency, noise levels, technology, Test, Cases
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/about/how-we-test-pc-cases
- Author: Thomas Soderstrom
- Published: 2026-10-23T16:57:20+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: pcmag, pc case, thermal testing, acoustic testing, pc hardware, case review, cooling efficiency, noise levels, technology
## Custom PC building often starts with the PC case
The PC case, or chassis, is a core component that defines what fits inside, cooling efficiency, and noise levels.
## The Test Components: A Standardized Hardware Baseline
We evaluate thermal energy dissipation and system noise using a fixed set of components for each test.
## The Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K
We lock down the Intel Core i7-13700K at 4.4GHz (P-cores) and 4.2GHz (E-cores) throughout thermal tests.
## The Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Verto
We use PNY's GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Verto for its high thermal output and triple-slot-width design.
## The Power Supplies: Two Cooler Master Choices
We use Cooler Master's GX III Gold 850 for ATX cases and V 1100 SFX Platinum for small form factor cases.
## The CPU Cooler: Corsair iCue H100i RGB Pro XT
Most cases use the Corsair iCue H100i RGB Pro XT 240mm closed-loop cooler for thermal efficiency.
## SSD Storage: MSI Spatium M470
We use MSI's Spatium M470 1TB M.2 drive as our standard boot drive across all tests.
## Motherboards: Asus Boards for Each Form Factor
We use Asus' ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero for ATX and EATX cases, and Prime Z790M-Plus for Mini-ITX.
## Configuring the Test PC: Locking Clocks
We lock CPU clocks at 4.4GHz (P-cores) and 4.2GHz (E-cores) with 1.24V core voltage for consistent thermal loads.
## Configuring the Test PC: Fan Curves
We force all CPU, GPU, and chassis fans to run at 100% fixed duty cycle to isolate airflow characteristics.
## Thermal Testing: 60 Minutes, Maximum Load
We run thermal benchmarks for 60 minutes using Prime95 and Furmark to measure CPU and GPU temperatures.
## Acoustic/Sound Pressure Level Testing
We measure sound pressure levels at 0.25 meters with a Galaxy Audio CheckMate CM-140 sound meter.
## The Bottom Line: Turning Data Into Advice
Standardized testing helps compare cases by cooling efficiency and noise control for buyers.
## Key takeaway

PCMag uses fixed hardware, thermal loads, and sound measurements to objectively compare PC cases.